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Northern New York Community Foundation

Northern New York Community Foundation

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Foundation Partnership Supports Wanakena History

September 18, 2020 By admin

Several Years in Development, New History Center Will Preserve Community’s Past

    WANAKENA — A pair of Community Foundation grants will help bring the past to life at the Wanakena Historical Association’s new History Center, which officials plan to open later this year at 21 Second St.

    The Foundation’s board of directors recently approved $16,000 in funding for the Historical Association. A $6,000 grant will fund equipment and supplies at the center and a $10,000 matching commitment will help build an endowment at the Community Foundation for the center.

    Several years in planning, the project gained momentum after a group of partners stepped forward to purchase and restore the Second Street house to its original design. Construction began last year with renovations continuing through early summer. The center will feature a collection of exhibits, modern presentations and meaningful artifact displays tied to the region’s past while also promoting historical and genealogical research and local tourism.

Wanakena Historical Association’s new Wanakena History Center, 21 Second St.

    “We are excited to deepen the long-term relationship of our two organizations as we continue to work with donors to build upon our investments in the people and places of Wanakena,” said Rande Richardson, Community Foundation executive director. “The community’s history and heritage will have a stronger level of enduring stewardship because of these initiatives.”

    Allen Ditch, president of the Wanakena Historical Association board of trustees, said the Foundation’s endowment match is a “crucial part of the association’s long-term plans,” especially in stewarding the maintenance of the center and operations.

    “Without the Foundation’s grant, we could very well be unable to implement high-quality, electronic access to our collection and availability in displays,” Mr. Ditch said. “We hope to make this an exciting place to visit.”

    Community volunteers came together 20 years ago to create the historical association and highlight the unique past of Wanakena and surrounding Adirondack communities. The organization developed a walking tour with interpretive kiosks and spearheaded restoration of the iconic Wanakena Footbridge after it was damaged in 2014, a project the Community Foundation supported.

    The history center has garnered impressive philanthropic support. The organization also took thoughtful steps toward developing a strategic plan designed not only for the history center’s sustainability, but the agency as well. Embedded in that plan is an emphasis on building an endowment, which the association presently has at the Community Foundation, thanks to an anonymous donor.

    Despite ongoing public health concerns, Mr. Ditch said he hopes the center can open for a preview this month and remain on track for a grand opening celebration in 2021.

    “There are many people who believe in this area and want it to flourish. Our organization is one of the groups who can help bring tourists to the area,” Mr. Ditch said. “It’s a community that people recognize as a place to enjoy and visit. This is a special place.”

Wanakena Historical Association trustees and volunteers gather at the new Wanakena History Center, from left, front row: Sara Cibelli, Carol Cassidy, Judy Hastings-Keith, and Allen Ditch; second row: John Steinberg, Ron Capone, Paul Flynn, and Marsha Smith; back row on porch: Lynn Smith, Virginia Peters, Primrose McVey, Terry Smith, Kathy Greenwald, Bill Gleason, Wayne Allen, Gerry Cibelli, Piers Bramham, Michael Greenwald, Larry Mayo, and Harry Shock.

    To join others in helping build support for the Wanakena Historical Association History Center and its mission, make gifts to the Northern New York Community Foundation, 131 Washington St., Watertown, NY 13601. Secure online gifts may be made at nnycf.org. Gifts to the center’s endowment fund will be matched up to $10,000.

About the Northern New York Community Foundation

   Since 1929, the Northern New York Community Foundation has invested in improving and enriching the quality of life for all in communities across Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence counties.

    Through partnerships with businesses and organizations, charitable foundations, and generous families and individual donors, the Community Foundation awards grants and scholarships from an endowment and collection of funds that benefit the region. Its commitment to donors helps individuals achieve their charitable objectives now and for generations to come by preserving and honoring legacies of community philanthropy while inspiring others.

   The Community Foundation is a resource for local charitable organizations, donors, professional advisors and nonprofit organizations. It also works to bring people together at its permanent home in the Northern New York Philanthropy Center to discuss challenges our communities face and find creative solutions that strengthen the region and make it a great place to live, work, and play.

Filed Under: Recent News

Northern New York Community Foundation

131 Washington Street
Watertown, NY 13601

Phone: 315-782-7110
Fax: 315-782-0047

info@nnycf.org

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Northern New York Community Foundation

Northern New York Community Foundation

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Working with donors to benefit the community through grants and scholarships since 1929.

The Challenge is now on! 

We are excited to kick off the seventh annual $10,000 Northern New York Community Foundation Community Spirit Youth Giving Challenge.

Students attending 7th and 8th grades in Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence County can now compete for a chance to award one of ten $1,000 grants to a tri-county nonprofit that helps strengthen quality of life in their community. 

Apply online or download an application and entry rules at nnycf.org/givingchallenge and enter by Friday, Oct. 27, 2023.

The Giving Challenge is made possible through the generosity of all who give to the Friends of the Foundation Annual Community Betterment Fund, a major gift from an individual donor, and corporate support from Community Bank, N.A. 

Complete details: www.nnycf.org/2023-giving-challenge
 
#NNYCF #GivingChallenge #CommunitySpirit

The Challenge is now on!

We are excited to kick off the seventh annual $10,000 Northern New York Community Foundation Community Spirit Youth Giving Challenge.

Students attending 7th and 8th grades in Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence County can now compete for a chance to award one of ten $1,000 grants to a tri-county nonprofit that helps strengthen quality of life in their community.

Apply online or download an application and entry rules at nnycf.org/givingchallenge and enter by Friday, Oct. 27, 2023.

The Giving Challenge is made possible through the generosity of all who give to the Friends of the Foundation Annual Community Betterment Fund, a major gift from an individual donor, and corporate support from Community Bank, N.A.

Complete details: www.nnycf.org/2023-giving-challenge

#NNYCF #GivingChallenge #communityspirit
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2 days ago
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This week the Youth Philanthropy Council of the Northern New York Community Foundation visited the SoZo Teen Center of Watertown to learn more about the important work they do.

This week the Youth Philanthropy Council of the Northern New York Community Foundation visited the SoZo Teen Center of Watertown to learn more about the important work they do. ... See MoreSee Less

6 days ago
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Thank you for the conversation, questions, and feedback! We're excited to see the work these youth do for the community!

Melissa Shova!

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We are proud to introduce the Youth Philanthropy Council of the Northern New York Community Foundation Class of 2024! This year’s class welcomes eight new and eight returning student delegates and includes juniors and seniors from General Brown, Lyme, South Jefferson, and Watertown High Schools. 

During the last meeting of the school year in June, students elected members to the Council’s 2023-2024 Executive Committee. Watertown High senior Olivia Urf will serve as the Council Chair; General Brown senior Olivia Wisner will serve as Vice Chair; and Watertown High senior Maya Voss will serve as Secretary. South Jefferson High School senior Jack Mangan is Immediate Past Chair.

The Council also named committee chairs for the new year. Mia Kelly, Watertown High junior, will chair the Communications Committee; McKenna Lee, General Brown senior, will chair the Service Committee; and Ella Smith, Watertown High junior, will chair the Grants Committee.

The Youth Philanthropy Council and its grant program are made possible by gifts from donors who make contributions to the Friends of the Foundation Annual Community Betterment Fund and generous support from Watertown Savings Bank, RBC Wealth Management Watertown, the Renzi Family Charitable Foundation, and the Mart Liinve Family Charitable Fund.

Top photo: Front row, from left, Anastaja Smith, Watertown High junior; Mia Kelly, Watertown High junior; Colden Marks, General Brown Junior/Senior High junior; Rosamond Hunt, Lyme Central School junior; and Finley Swartz, Watertown High junior. Second row, from left, Olivia Urf, Watertown High senior; Maya Voss, Watertown High senior; Hannah Eldridge, Watertown High junior; and McKenna Lee, General Brown Junior/Senior High senior. Third row, from left, Ella Smith, Watertown High junior; Jack Mangan, South Jefferson High senior; Sienna Virga, Watertown High junior; Harper Lane, Watertown High junior; and Olivia Wisner, General Brown Junior/Senior High senior. Back row, from left, Jack Adams, Watertown High junior; Justin Draught, Watertown High junior; Bennett Pistner, Watertown High junior; Vincent Knapp, Watertown High junior; and Elyse King, Watertown High junior.

Bottom photo: From left, Secretary Maya Voss, Watertown High senior; Chair Olivia Urf, Watertown High senior; and Vice Chair Olivia Wisner, General Brown Junior/Senior High senior.

Complete details: www.nnycf.org/2023-24-ypc-class

#YPC #NNYCF #LeadershipImage attachment

We are proud to introduce the Youth Philanthropy Council of the Northern New York Community Foundation Class of 2024! This year’s class welcomes eight new and eight returning student delegates and includes juniors and seniors from General Brown, Lyme, South Jefferson, and Watertown High Schools.

During the last meeting of the school year in June, students elected members to the Council’s 2023-2024 Executive Committee. Watertown High senior Olivia Urf will serve as the Council Chair; General Brown senior Olivia Wisner will serve as Vice Chair; and Watertown High senior Maya Voss will serve as Secretary. South Jefferson High School senior Jack Mangan is Immediate Past Chair.

The Council also named committee chairs for the new year. Mia Kelly, Watertown High junior, will chair the Communications Committee; McKenna Lee, General Brown senior, will chair the Service Committee; and Ella Smith, Watertown High junior, will chair the Grants Committee.

The Youth Philanthropy Council and its grant program are made possible by gifts from donors who make contributions to the Friends of the Foundation Annual Community Betterment Fund and generous support from Watertown Savings Bank, RBC Wealth Management Watertown, the Renzi Family Charitable Foundation, and the Mart Liinve Family Charitable Fund.

Top photo: Front row, from left, Anastaja Smith, Watertown High junior; Mia Kelly, Watertown High junior; Colden Marks, General Brown Junior/Senior High junior; Rosamond Hunt, Lyme Central School junior; and Finley Swartz, Watertown High junior. Second row, from left, Olivia Urf, Watertown High senior; Maya Voss, Watertown High senior; Hannah Eldridge, Watertown High junior; and McKenna Lee, General Brown Junior/Senior High senior. Third row, from left, Ella Smith, Watertown High junior; Jack Mangan, South Jefferson High senior; Sienna Virga, Watertown High junior; Harper Lane, Watertown High junior; and Olivia Wisner, General Brown Junior/Senior High senior. Back row, from left, Jack Adams, Watertown High junior; Justin Draught, Watertown High junior; Bennett Pistner, Watertown High junior; Vincent Knapp, Watertown High junior; and Elyse King, Watertown High junior.

Bottom photo: From left, Secretary Maya Voss, Watertown High senior; Chair Olivia Urf, Watertown High senior; and Vice Chair Olivia Wisner, General Brown Junior/Senior High senior.

Complete details: www.nnycf.org/2023-24-ypc-class

#YPC #NNYCF #Leadership
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1 week ago
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What a great group!

Congratulations to all

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